Category: Job Training

Georresha’s Journey: From Crisis to Career Stability

Posted on by Paola Beltran

Georresha first came to our Family Resource Center in December 2023, seeking assistance with food. She had recently moved to Tennessee from another state, leaving behind an abusive relationship to protect herself and her children.

At the time, she was working as a DoorDash driver to make ends meet and had just found a place to live. Despite her struggles, Georresha spoke of her determination to improve her circumstances. She mentioned she had a few job interviews lined up and asked about counseling services for herself and her children.

Even amid her challenges, Georresha had an incredible smile. Her children, equally resilient and smiling, played with the toys in our lobby. During that first visit, we shared information about a long-term case management program we offer, which includes counseling, employment training, goal setting, and other forms of support. She agreed to enroll in the program, and we were able to provide her with food that day. Georresha and her children left with full hearts and big smiles.

Taking the First Steps Toward Stability

In January, Georresha officially joined the program. Her main goals were clear: improving her mental health and finding stable employment to better provide for her family. To help ease her immediate financial burden, we provided rental assistance while she continued working as a DoorDash driver. We also referred her to a partner agency for free counseling, which she began attending regularly.

By mid-January, Georresha had secured a job at Wendy’s and began her counseling sessions. The impact of therapy was immediately visible—each time we saw her after a session, her smile seemed brighter, and her confidence grew. While Wendy’s provided temporary relief, she knew the position wouldn’t fully meet her family’s financial needs or align with her long-term goals.

A Vision for a Better Future

Over the following months, Georresha worked hard to improve her situation and her children’s. They thrived in school, receiving evaluations and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to their needs. Meanwhile, she attended our financial literacy workshop and learned essential budgeting skills.

In April, Georresha expressed her desire to pursue a career in healthcare. Inspired by the idea of a stable and meaningful profession, she enrolled in a phlebotomy program through one of our community partners. This decision required significant sacrifices, but Georresha was determined to create a better future for her family.

By September, she completed her classes and began an externship, which meant she had to quit her job temporarily. When asked how she planned to manage her expenses, she confidently explained that the budgeting skills she learned in our workshop enabled her to save enough money to support her family during this transitional period.

A Year of Transformation

After completing her externship, Georresha found a position at a daycare while continuing to apply for jobs in the medical field. Just a few weeks ago, she excitedly texted us to share the news: she had been hired at a hospital.

Georresha’s journey over the past year is a testament to resilience and determination. She came to us seeking food and support during one of the most challenging times of her life. Today, she has a stable job in healthcare, a safe home, and children who are thriving academically and emotionally.

Her story exemplifies the transformative power of comprehensive support and unwavering determination. Through her commitment to improving her mental health, advancing her education, and providing for her family, Georresha has become a role model for her children and an inspiration to us all.

 

From Homelessness to Hope: How Catholic Charities Helped Transform Blue’s Life

Posted on by Paola Beltran

One year ago, Blue was homeless and uncertain about his future. He felt lost, weighed down by a cloud of uncertainty, and the road ahead seemed impossible. Like many facing similar struggles, he came to Catholic Charities’ Family Resource Center at C.E. McGruder looking for food. But what he found was far more than just a meal—it was a lifeline.

At the time, Blue had little hope. He was struggling with addiction and felt trapped. While  access to food boxes was his entrée, he soon discovered the many other resources Catholic Charities had to offer and began to regain control over his life.

“The staff here played a crucial role in my change,” Blue says. “They guided me, helped me refocus, and supported me in ways I didn’t even know I needed.” Through their encouragement, Blue first considered the job training programs available at the center. He had no idea that something as simple as a computer class would become a turning point in his life.

Blue quickly realized that learning these skills was not only empowering but essential for survival in today’s world. He had never imagined that a computer class could provide such a strong sense of accomplishment.

“This center is a pillar of the community, a cornerstone offering opportunities for growth and development,” he says.

By utilizing the new Rip Patton transit center nearby, Blue can ride the bus to the center any day of the week. The transformation he experienced has motivated him to volunteer his time before and after his classes, helping others who are in the same place he once was.

“I’m so grateful for everything Catholic Charities at C.E. McGruder has done for me,” he shares. “I want to contribute to the place that helped me escape from a dark period in my life. Without this place, I don’t even know where I’d be—I’d still be lost, alone, and afraid to try anything new.”

Today, Blue is working on building his resume and enhancing his skills to secure a better future. He’s found not just resources, but hope for a brighter tomorrow. The journey that started with a food box has evolved into a life-changing opportunity for Blue to rebuild his life and, in turn, help others rebuild theirs.

At Catholic Charities, we believe in the power of transformation. Stories like Blue’s remind us of the difference we can make in people’s lives, one person at a time. We are honored to be a part of his journey and to continue offering the programs and services that help families and individuals like Blue create brighter futures.

If you or someone you know is facing difficult circumstances, please visit one of our Family Resource Centers or contact us online. Like Blue, you, too, can find the support, skills, and hope you need to rebuild and thrive.

A new year, a bold vision for transforming lives

Posted on by Jenny Barker

From Judy K. Orr, Executive Director:

As our new fiscal year began last month, we simultaneously embraced a bold, new vision for our work:

“By 2029, Catholic Charities will be the leader in Middle Tennessee in assisting people in need to achieve persistent self-reliance.”

This vision is at the heart of our new five-year strategic plan, which reflects our deep commitment to addressing immediate needs while honoring every individual’s dignity. More than just a roadmap, this plan is an invitation to partner with us in creating lasting change.

With our strategic plan, we are committed not just to meeting material needs but to upholding the dignity of each person, recognizing that they are made in the image of God. Inspired by the teachings of Christ, we strive to be His hands and feet in the world, ensuring that our service is both a reflection of His love and a response to His call to care for ‘the least of these.

We are calling on all who share our mission of bringing love, hope, and healing to join us. Guided by a vision crafted by our committee and approved by the board of trustees, this plan will steer our efforts through 2029.

Together, we can build on our 60-year legacy, enhancing program impact, nurturing our staff, engaging the community, and raising awareness of our crucial work.

But we can’t do it alone. Your passion, support, and partnership are vital to empowering individuals and strengthening our community.

View our strategic plan

Addressing hidden homelessness

As part of our emergency services program, we assist many of our neighbors who are struggling with housing costs. “Hidden homelessness” is more common than you might think, and we are grateful to WPLN’s This is Nashville for raising awareness of this issue through its “In My Place” series.

In this recent episode, Catholic Charities’ Director of Basic Needs Kate Pooler shared insights on the often-overlooked realities of families who “double up” with other family members, live in their cars, or otherwise are in unsustainable situations on the verge of evictions.

Please give the interview with Kate a listen to learn more about our expertise in caring for our neighbors’ housing crises.

Listen to the episode

Culinary training for youth aging out of foster care

Our work in Culinary Training Academy (CTA) was amplified recently through a partnership with The Nashville Food Project and Slim & Husky’s. Our most recent cohort of graduates were youth who had recently aged out of foster care.

Of the 15 participants completing the program, 14 secured jobs and two have advanced to sous chef positions. This successful collaboration demonstrates a strong model for empowering vulnerable youth to begin a career in the hospitality industry. CTA is housed at Catholic Charities’ Family Resource Center at C.E. McGruder.

Giving back: from refugee to social worker

In our Love, Hope, Healing service model, we love to say that the best healing is when you want to give back to those who helped you.

Irakoze Bellamie is the epitome! She is completing her master’s degree in social work at the University of Kentucky. She was inspired to do her internship with Catholic Charities because her family was helped by CC when they first arrived in the U.S. in 2007, as authorized refugees from the African country Burundi. Her grandmother continues as a member of our New Americans elders program. Bella, as she is known, was 7 when she emigrated with her family.

Bella recalls the case manager (Diomede Richard, still working for CC!) who helped her family get settled in Nashville, teaching them English and how to navigate housing, schools, transportation, shopping, etc.

She says, “I want to impact people in a positive way just like social workers impacted me and my family.” Bella completed an internship in the spring at the CC Family Resource Center at Casa Azafran and is interning this semester at the CC FRC at C.E. McGruder.

Make an impact every month

Your recurring gift can help vulnerable neighbors become self-sufficient in the face of economic instability and life’s unexpected moments. By establishing a monthly gift, you increase its impact and spread your tax-deductible donation throughout the year.

Donate

P.S. Have you seen the Catholic Charities USA “We Are There” national awareness campaign? We’re excited to be featured.

 

OUR MISSION

Following Christ’s example, we recognize the dignity of all people and serve our neighbors.

Thank you for attending our Festival of Hope

Posted on by Paola Beltran

From Judy K. Orr, Executive Director:

We are very grateful for the presence of everyone who joined us at our Festival of Hope 2024. We are left with our hearts full of gratitude and love.

We were very happy to share the achievements of some of our graduates in our job training programs and to shine a lot on the families who rely on us to find and keep stable housing. All of this work is in service of helping our neighbors achieve self reliance, and that is what we celebrated.

If you couldn’t join us in person, it’s not too late for you to partner with us in our mission. Please consider making a donation to our Festival of Hope fundraiser here. Your generous support will make a difference to those most in need in Middle Tennessee.

Thank you to all our sponsors for their generous support. Here is a sampling of the Festival:

Festival of Hope 2024 to feature job training programs

Posted on by Paola Beltran

From Judy K. Orr, Executive Director:

I am excited to invite you to our annual fundraiser, Festival of Hope, a fun and joyous celebration of the accomplishments of our neighbors who allow us to walk alongside them towards a brighter future. Our Latino/Cuban-inspired breakfast event will take place at the Catholic Pastoral Center Tuesday, April 16, at 7:30 a.m. We will have authentic food, music, and other surprises. Our Sewing Training Academy, one of our workforce development programs, will be our event focus. The job training programs are essential, but lesser known components of our holistic service model.

Who says breakfast can’t be a festive occasion? The Festival of Hope celebrates healing, which we define as gaining self-reliance. Helping to empower our neighbors to take care of themselves and their families through sustainable employment, is our highest goal.

To reserve your seat, please go to the Festival website. There is no charge for attending, but we hope you will be generous with your support. Our goal is to raise $200,000, and all proceeds will provide critical Catholic Charities services for the more than 25,000 Middle Tennessee neighbors whom we serve annually.

Bishop J. Mark Spalding will be in attendance to visit with guests, and Rhori Johnston, WTVF News Channel 5 anchor, will be the master of ceremonies. You will hear the stories of students and staff members from our four job training programs who, thanks to their perseverance and our wraparound-holistic support, today have promising jobs and futures. You couldn’t find a better example of the power of love, hope, and healing.

Our event will include onsite demonstrations by our Sewing Training Academy, product samples, and a special gift made by students of the Academy. Other Catholic Charities program managers will also be on hand to answer your questions.

Thank you to First Horizon for their commitment as Presenting Sponsor. Sponsorships are still available through April 11. For more information, please go to the Festival of Hope website. Or call Brian Thomas, Director, Mission Advancement, at 615-670-9204.

Looking forward to seeing you on April 16!

Sewing Training Academy to Hold A Very Merry SewPOP Holiday Marketplace Dec. 3-4

Posted on by batkinson

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville’s Sewing Training Academy (STA) is hosting A Very Merry SewPOP, a holiday marketplace celebrating new and established Nashville artisans and makers.

SewPOP will take place Dec. 3 and 4 at The Clay Lady Campus at 1416 Lebanon Pike, just two miles from downtown Nashville. The event showcases Nashville makers, which include fiber artists, ceramicists, hat makers, sculptors, fine artists, ethnic clothing makers, jewelry makers, designers, boutique fashion shops and more.

The marketplace will be open to the public on Dec. 4, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., for those in search of unique holiday gifts. Admission is free. SewPOP’s marketplace is being held in conjunction with The Clay Lady’s Annual Holiday Sale.

STA will host an opening night party on Dec. 3, 5 – 9 p.m.  Tickets to the party are $25 each and are available at https://cctenn.org/event/sewpop-2021/.

SewPOP celebrates the finale for students who participated in an intensive, year-long STA program. Rather than being handed a diploma, students sell merchandise they created as part of the “Protype Bootcamp” where they learn how to make, market, and sell an original product.

After touring The Clay Lady Campus and meeting with The Clay Lady Danielle McDaniels, STA Program Director and sewing instructor Trishawna Quincy was inspired to enhance the STA as a space that fosters the growth and connection of Nashville’s sewing community. Danielle and Trishawna are excited to collaborate in creating a new holiday market event at the expansive Clay Lady Campus, and providing an opportunity for consumers to meet undiscovered makers and curated artists.

ABOUT THE SEWING TRAINING ACADEMY

The Sewing Training Academy started in 2015 as the first initiative of the Workforce Development Program of Catholic Charites, Diocese of Nashville. Housed in the Catholic Charities Family Resource Center at C.E. McGruder near the evolving Buchanan Arts District, the school has quietly been fueling the Nashville maker movement by empowering both women and men with sewing and tailoring skills.

The brainchild of Van Tucker, formerly with the Nashville Fashion Alliance, and Quincy, STA has both recreational classes and a one-year “Sewing Intensive Program” to train those in need of job placement or to start a business.

STA students are taught how to sew for the specialized needs of the sewing industry on industrial machines as well as how to maintain those machines, qualifying them to fill positions in Nashville’s rapidly growing fashion and apparel industry. The mission of Sewing Training Academy is to help people better their lives through sewing. It is a program of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, a faith-based nonprofit providing services to people of every religious, ethnic, cultural, and racial background.

Catholic Charities Sewing Instructor, Students Make Medical Masks (Theresa Laurence, Tennessee Register)

Posted on by batkinson

Original story in The Tennessee Register

The Catholic Charities’ Sewing Training Academy workspace at the McGruder Family Resource Center in North Nashville should be bustling with daily activity right now, filled with a group of students learning about all aspects of sewing and working in the industry.

But group classes have been postponed and Sewing Training Academy coordinator and instructor Trishawna Quincy, along with a handful of student volunteers, are only present on a limited basis.

Instead of teaching her students how to work on an industrial sewing machine, Quincy is now leading the Sewing Training Academy’s efforts to sew medical masks to provide to local hospitals and healthcare facilities.

The shortage of personal protective equipment, which includes masks, gowns and gloves, has emerged as a major issue worldwide, and is something that doctors and nurses absolutely need to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quincy never envisioned she would have a role to play in responding to a medical crisis, but, she said, “it is nice that I have a way to help right now.”

Quincy and some of her current and former Sewing Training Academy students have joined a regional grassroots effort with other local sewers to make as many masks as quickly as possible. “We would love to have everybody here sewing together, but not at this time,” Quincy said.

Instead, she and her student Elliott Martinez spent hours this week cutting the more than 1,000 yards of medical grade material donated by Adelca Systems into the right size for each mask, and creating kits that individual sewers can pick up and complete at home. Quincy was hopeful that by April 3 they would be able to get 3,000 completed masks into the hands of healthcare workers who need them.

At least 100 of the masks will go to the Diocese of Nashville’s assisted living facility Mary, Queen of Angels so they can be prepared to respond if residents become ill with any sort of infectious disease.

“Efforts are happening all across the country, and we are sharing information on patterns and best practices,” Quincy said. “We are all learning as we go, so it’s helpful to learn from cities who are ahead of Nashville in this effort.”

Students and families from Pope John Paul II High School and several parishes around the diocese are also sewing masks to help people through the pandemic.

The Sewing Training Academy is part of Catholic Charities’ Workforce Development Program, which includes job readiness programs for the sewing, hospitality and food service industries. All those programs, which are run out of the McGruder Center, are on hold right now as Catholic Charities responds to the coronavirus pandemic.

‘A really devastating scenario’

While hands-on job training programs are paused at McGruder, requests for food, material and cash assistance are up as many local residents have been laid off from their jobs.

“Food has really emerged as the most pressing need,” said Judy Orr, executive director of Catholic Charities of Tennessee. In recent weeks Catholic Charites social workers at McGruder have reported “a significant uptick in requests for help,” Orr said.

“These are people in their 40s and 50s who have worked hourly jobs their whole life, and have always had somewhere else to go,” if they lost a job or got laid off, Orr said. But now with so many restaurants and businesses closed or operating with only a few employees, “they have nowhere else to go. It’s a really devastating scenario.”

As one of five local social service agencies chosen to disburse funds from the City of Nashville’s COVID-19 relief fund, Catholic Charities has added an intake form to its website to help screen people and get them cash assistance as soon as possible.

Visit www.cctenn.org for more information. [Or call 615-352-3087.]

The food box distribution plan has been modified at McGruder to minimize people coming into the building, but Second Harvest Food Bank keeps the food pantry there stocked, Orr said.

Second Harvest also helps stock the food boxes for senior citizens that are distributed out of the Catholic Pastoral Center, and the Loaves and Fishes Community Meal program that operates at the Holy Name Parish Center in East Nashville.

To comply with coronavirus precautions, Loaves and Fishes has stopped hosting volunteer groups to prepare meals in the parish center kitchen, stopped serving breakfast, and stopped serving meals inside the building. Instead, Loaves and Fishes Director Wendy Overlock and a handful of volunteers make one meal a day and distribute box lunches to go.

“They served 70 people for lunch like that,” Orr said. “It’s amazing.”

SOURCE: https://tennesseeregister.com/catholic-charities-sewing-instructor-students-make-medical-masks/